Tim Teufel, a 1986 Met, a source of inspiration for 2015 Mets

The 1986 Mets have left an indelible mark on the franchise and its players continue to serve as a link to the past. Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez, who both played in Game 7 of the ’86 World Series, are heard on SNY calling Mets games during the regular season. Wally Backman currently manages the Las Vegas 51’s, the Mets Triple-A squad. But those former Mets do not influence the big-league clubhouse the way current third base coach Tim Teufel does.

Teufel, who platooned at second base with Backman during that magical year, told reporters that during Spring Training he stood in the Mets’ clubhouse and told the players what winning the World Series would mean.

“Once you become that team – a person on that team – you’ll never be forgotten in this city,” said Teufel.“They recognize you everywhere you go, they love you, they support you and they treat you special. I’ve been treated that way ever since ‘86. And it’s a great feeling.”

And Teufel recognizes that adding another World Series trophy to the mantle would be a great historical achievement for the Mets’ franchise.

“As special as ‘86 is, I think the ‘86 guys would like to see somebody else take the baton, because there’s another generation of Mets fans that will never forget 2015 if they do it,” Teufel said, “It will push the organization into a new direction, a new era. It would be wonderful.”